Why is the Next Full Moon Called the “Harvest Moon”?

NASA states that the nickname is given to the brightest full moon occurring closest to the start of autumn, but do you know why this moon shines so brightly?

Harvest Moon to Illuminate the Sky on September 18, 2024

Circle your calendars: the next full moon, known as the “Harvest Moon,” will rise on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 04:34 Paris time.

What is the Harvest Moon?

According to NASA, the “Harvest Moon” refers to the full moon occurring closest to the start of autumn. Although it’s a popular term in astronomy, it holds no scientific value.

However, it harks back to a time before electricity when farmers relied on moonlight to harvest their crops late into the night. “Moonlight was especially crucial in autumn, when crops are most plentiful,” NASA explains.

The Full Moon: A Monthly Spectacle with Variations

A monthly phenomenon, the full moon happens when the Moon’s side facing Earth is fully lit by the Sun. Yet, each full moon is distinctive.

At times, it appears bigger, more glowing, or brighter. These variations in appearance are due to the Moon’s position relative to the Earth and the Sun, NASA clarifies.